Patagonia fjords cruise australis

Patagonian Explorer (Peak)

  • Overview
    Explore Patagonia on an adventurous five-day, four-night journeys between Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile) through some of the planet’s most remote places and incredible scenery. Discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on an Australis cruise that showcases the region’s pristine landscapes, rich wildlife and fascinating human history aboard an expedition ship that brings an extraordinary level of comfort and service to the uttermost edge of the world. Leaving the twinkling lights of Ushuaia behind, the vessel calls on fabled spots like Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay before cruising down the Beagle Channel. Continuing through the maze of islands, we’ll visit a number of glaciers, frozen giants that guard the southern flank of the Fuegian Archipelago, before entering the legendary Strait of Magellan. Last stop is the Isla Magdalena and its boisterous Patagonia penguin colony before docking at Punta Arenas.
    Duration: 5 days
    Passengers: 210 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.5x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia: Embarkation Day

      Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure. Board the M/V Ventus Australis at 18:00 (6 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

    • Day 2 - Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

      Around the break of dawn, Stella Australis crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

      Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay.

    • Day 3 - Pía Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier

      Overnight we continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Ventus Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

      No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

      Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding -- very steep, negligible trail, rough footing -- and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.

    • Day 4 - Storheia

      Early in the morning we will depart from Tromsø and sail towards the north-east, into Langsundet. In this magnificent fjord we plan to land at the small village of Hansnes from where we will attempt to hike up a trail to the 306 metres high hill Storheia to admire the view across the fjord. We will spend the night in Dyrsfjorden at the northern tip of the island Ringvassøya.

    • Day 5 - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas; Disembarkation Day

      After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

      *Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Experience Patagonia at close range

    Experience Patagonia at close range. Explore the narrow fjords and shallow bays of Fuegian Archipelago discover secluded waterfalls, tidewater glaciers, pristine beaches and rocky shorelines, hike through primeval sub-Polar forest, thousands of penguins, elephant and leopard seals, Andean condors and Caracara falcons.

  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    Not included in your Expedition

  • Map
    Patagonia   both ways
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Stella Australis

    The Stella Australis offers a relaxed luxury experience while providing breathtaking views of Patagonia's impressive coastline, fjords and glaciers. For the best in Chile travel the Stella Australis will allow you to reach all of Patagonia’s fabulous venues, attractions, and expeditions. Indulge in first-class Chile travel onboard the Stella Australis. You will have plenty of opportunities to relax onboard this spacious cruise ship in Patagonia, with a beautiful atmosphere, and fine dining. Comfortable cabins provide you with incredible ocean views and lavish decor. Wine and dine, mix and mingle, and enjoy our fabulous entertainment on your Patagonia vacation. For amazing customer service, excitement, beautiful scenery, and exceptional cuisine the Stella and Ventus Australis will not disappoint you.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 210
    Crew #: 62
    Ice Class: N/A
    Speed: 13
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2010
    Length: 89m
    Width: 14
    Draft: 3
    Tonnage: 4500
    Registry: Chile
    Elec Outlets: 2 Round Prongs
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
stella australis cabin b category

Cabin B

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Magallanes Deck 2 near reception and closest to the bow of the ship, Category B cabins are 16.5m2 in size and curve slightly as they take on the shape of the bow. They feature a picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.2m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category B cabins have Twin beds only.
USD$ 2,478pp
USD$ 2,478pp
stella australis cabin a category

Cabin A

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Magallanes Deck 2 near reception, Category A cabins are 16.5m2 in size. They feature a picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.2m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category A cabins can have Double or Twin beds.
USD$ 3,177pp
USD$ 3,177pp
stella australis cabin aa category

Cabin AA

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Tierra del Fuego Deck 3 near the Yamana Lounge, Category AA cabins are 16.5m2 in size. They feature a large picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.4m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AA cabins can have Double or Twin beds.
USD$ 3,337pp
USD$ 3,337pp
stella australis cabin aaa category

Cabin AAA

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Cabo de Hornos Deck 4 near the Sky Lounge and Bridge, Category AAA cabins are 16.5m2 in size. They feature a floor-to-ceiling picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by over 1.8m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AAA cabins can have Double or Twin beds.
USD$ 3,456pp
USD$ 3,456pp
stella australis cabin aa superior category

Cabin AAS

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Tierra del Fuego Deck 3 near the Yamana Lounge, Category AA Superior cabins are more spacious at 20.5m2 in size. They feature a large picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.4m (high) as well as a table, sitting area, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AA Superior cabins feature large King-sized beds only.
USD$ 4,067pp
USD$ 4,067pp
stella australis cabin aaa superior category

Cabin AAAS

13 Nov 2018 - 17 Nov 2018
Located on Cabo de Hornos Deck 4 near the Sky Lounge and Bridge, and with easy access to the Darwin Lounge, Category AAA Superior cabins are more spacious at 20.5m2 in size. They feature a floor-to-ceiling picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by over 1.8m (high) as well as a table, sitting area, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AAA Superior cabins feature large King-sized beds only.
USD$ 4,274pp
USD$ 4,274pp